Common Late-Summer AC Issues: 6 Causes and Solutions
Summer heat lingers late into the season, and your home’s air conditioning can work overtime trying to keep everyone comfortable. This is often when you need AC the most, but it’s also when it can start struggling or even fail. Late summer AC breakdowns are, unfortunately, more common than you might think. Understanding the causes can help you prevent late summer AC headaches.
1. Lack of Maintenance
By late summer, you might be counting down the days to cooler weather, but your AC still has months of hard work to do. Nonstop operations stress essential components, such as the fan, motor, and compressor. Working hard without routine maintenance can cause your air conditioner’s parts to overheat and wear down, resulting in cooling system issues.
If you skipped a spring AC tune-up, minor issues have a chance to escalate into total breakdowns by August or September. However, it’s not too late. Scheduling a mid-season maintenance visit can help identify signs of wear, prevent emergency repairs, and restore your system’s efficiency before the hottest stretch of the year hits.
2. Clogged Filters
Airflow is crucial to your air conditioner’s performance, and a clogged filter is one of the most common reasons for poor cooling. Dust and debris build up quickly, especially in homes with kids or pets, blocking airflow and overworking your system. By late summer, filters that haven’t been changed may already be packed with contaminants.
This can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and unnecessary strain on the blower motor. Clean or replace your filter every one to three months to protect your system and keep your home comfortable for the last stretch of the cooling season. Many homeowners check their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Your AC system relies on refrigerant to cool the air circulating through your home. When refrigerant levels drop, it’s often due to small, slow leaks. These leaks can be easy to miss early in the season but may lead to noticeably poor cooling performance as summer progresses. If left unaddressed, they can eventually cause serious damage to your system, including compressor failure. Watch for signs like warm air from your vents, hissing noises, or inconsistent cooling, as these may point to a refrigerant issue.
4. Electrical Component Failure
Worn wiring, faulty capacitors, and malfunctioning contactors are common reasons air conditioners stop working. These electrical parts are especially prone to failure after months of continuous use and exposure to high summer humidity. Capacitors, for instance, give the system a boost to start each cooling cycle.
If a capacitor fails during a heatwave, your AC may not restart at all. Addressing issues early, such as corroded wires or weak capacitors, is often much more affordable than dealing with a complete system failure later on.
5. Blocked Drain Lines and Excess Moisture
Humidity levels tend to rise in late summer. As your air conditioner cools the air in your home, it removes a significant amount of this moisture. This water is drained out through a condensate line, but debris or mold can clog it, making water back up into the system.
When left unchecked, a drain line blockage can cause water damage to your property or shut down the unit. If your AC drain area or pan appears moldy or wet, contact a professional to inspect it.
6. Thermostat or Sensor Issues
Sometimes, your central air conditioner is working correctly, but a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor is the problem. Inaccurate readings can cause the system to run too long or shut off too early, leading to uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on your equipment.
Over time, this irregular cycling can wear down components. To avoid these issues, replace thermostat batteries once a year and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better accuracy and control. If your AC is cycling unpredictably, it’s a good idea to have a technician inspect the thermostat.
Late Summer AC Breakdowns Are Preventable
Air conditioner problems in the later summer weeks are frequently the result of months of dirt buildup, wear, and more minor issues that never got addressed. Fortunately, many of these complications are avoidable by paying attention to your system performance and arranging for proper maintenance and AC repairs.
BELOMAN offers air conditioner maintenance and repair services in Belleville and Metro East. You can also count on us for all your indoor air quality needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
